It appears EA and Microsoft have been paying attention to Netflix and PlayStation Now, and are combining to offer a different subscription service for gamers. The EA Access pass is available (currently in beta) for $5 per month or $30 per year and gives subscribers unlimited access to a "Vault" of games. Right now that list covers FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, Peggle 2 and Battlefield 4, with the promise of more titles soon.

Not enticed by the promise of last year's games and 10 percent discounts on EA games, DLC, and in-game currency? They're also adding in early access trials for this year's round of EA sports games (Madden, NHL, NBA Live, FIFA) and Dragon Age: Inquisition that open up five days before the games go on sale and let your progress carry over to the retail version. EA Access passes will be sold in GameStop stores soon, EB Games in Canada, and online for European gamers via GameStop and Amazon. You can hit the website for details, and EA says it will become available for everyone on Xbox One "soon." So, on a scale from Horse Armor DLC to Sim City 4, how excited is everyone about this?

I will probably do the year subscription once I am ready to play one of the games in The Vault. I have been wanting to play Peggle 2 forever now so it is tempting, but really I can just purchase it for the $13 it costs.

Honestly to make it a very good deal they need better games in The Vault itself. If it stays those 4 games, it is not the best of deals unless somehow the end user has never played BF4. I am not a big sports game player so I am not really interested in Fifa or Madden. As it stands right now this is a service that would benefit hardcore EA game players and not much else. That is why I am hesitant and may hold off to see what else comes to The Vault first.